$3,000 engine light & muffler fix due to rust?!?! - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

sublime5446 · 10-15-2008, 04:11 AM

I just had my Camry serviced a couple weeks ago and mentioned the fact that i was having an issue with the check engine light and that the muffler seemed louder than it should. It's a V6 so i wasn't sure if it's suppose to be slightly louder, but regardless it definitely wasn't sounding right so i informed them of that problem as well. Then a few hours later I get a call from them... it's like $3 grand to fix. I sure as hell wasn't about to drop that kinda money especially when they said it was perfectly fine and safe to drive still. They said the problem was that the sensors were malfunctioning or something but that it was so badly rusted out underneath that they could not get to the sensors, so that's the reason for the high cost to fix it. They said this was the reason for both the muffler and the check engine light. Other than this the car is in about as great as shape as possible for a 1999. I got it from my uncle in Florida, but unfortunately he spent a few years living in Ohio so thats where the rust came from. I knew of minor rust beforehand but this hefty fix-it price was a shock when i found out as i'm sure you can imagine.

I guess i have a few questions... has anyone else had this problem before? And are there any cheaper solutions to this problem? Like i said the car is in great shape other than this problem, and supposedly it's still fine to drive. So i guess it isn't THAT big of a deal but it still sucks.. luckily i got a great deal on the car getting it from my uncle and i haven't yet put any money into it. I was definitely planning it out in my head what i wanted to do with it but that's pretty much on hold after discovering this problem. I wanted to make a decision on what i was gonna do about it first.

Anyone have any advice or ideas? Thanks in advance.

p.s. in my glove compartment I got a printout from the Toyota dealer on more details and stuff in case you need more info on it. It had some codes listed and what not, so i can get that and type it up on here if that helps at all. Just let me know. Again, thanks in advance to anyone who replies.

Albuynp Ryeno · 10-15-2008, 07:03 AM

2 things i would do.

First buy a OBD-II code reader. That way you can figure out whats wrong yourself. No need for a dealership. But since you have it, post up what it says and what codes you have.

Second if they are talking about the 02 sensors, they only cost 100-150 each. Their are 3 total but only one in the exhust tubing that would be exposed to rust.

Now I have a 98 camry that was driven all its life in new jersey and michigan. So you know it has a hell of rust. Well my o2 sensor went out as well. It took me a while but with the right size HUGE wrench and a good bit of time using a propane torch. I was able to change out my 02 sensor.

Mike Gerber · 10-15-2008, 02:03 PM

^ What he said. It sounds like they are telling you they don't think they can get the O2 sensor(s) out without breaking the exhaust system. I would try another shop; perferably one owned by a guy who came from up north here, and knows how to work with a few rusty parts. Lot's of PB Blaster and a torch. Keep letting these things soak in the PB Blaster and torch them a few times and eventually they break loose; usually.

It would be best to post the OBD2 codes you obtained. They may be of some help. Also, just for future reference, Autozone and other auto parts stores in your area may read the OBD2 codes for free. Make a few phones calls and ask. If you have some sort of polution test in your area, you won't pass with a check engine light illuminated, so it may be necessary to get whatever is causing the codes fixed.

Mike

sublime5446 · 10-15-2008, 03:04 PM

it says "EXHAUST RUSTED OUT AND CODE P0136 STORED IN ECU B1 SENSOR 2 RECREPLACE HOLE EXHAUST SYS NO WAY TO REMOVE ANY SENSORS FROM EXHAUST" (cost: $2,900) and "CODE PO46 STORED IN ECU R&R GAS TANK AND REPLACE ORV VAVLE" (cost:$330)

Where would I find a OBD-II code reader? And roughly how much do they cost?

uibalnme · 10-15-2008, 03:15 PM

+1 on the OBDII reader. You can get a nice one for about $100 or less at an auto parts store.

OEM parts + labor is a killer. I would just get a new O2 sensor, and go to a muffler shop, and have a new cat-back exhaust system installed w/ the new O2 sensor(s). I did just that a few years ago, and only paid $400 total for parts, and labor. Though, my system was a 2.25" with a Magnaflow muffler. If you get a basic replacment system installed, it should be less.

sublime5446 · 10-16-2008, 10:02 PM

Thanks for the info guys. As for working on it myself with a torch and what not, it'd probably be a good idea if I passed on that. Only because i'm not very knowledgeable with auto work and I wouldn't be too comfortable trying to do it myself.

Like I said i'm kinda new to this stuff, so bare with me please. If i'm understanding you guys right, it sounds like I need one(1) new O2 sensor (i searched ebay and found different ones... how do i know which one i need?). And then I need to buy a new muffler, and then just take them to a muffler shop and have them install them? I was planning on going with a new muffler anyways (even prior to discovering the problem). At this point, i was looking into Borla. Does anyone have a recommendation as to which Borla (or other brands) would be a good fit for a 1999 Camry LE V6? I don't want a huge, deafening muffler... just looking for a nice upgrade. My car is completely stock right now, and i'm not looking to make it a real head turner or anything.. basically, just wanting to keep it mostly stock looking but still eye-catching at the same time.

uibalnme · 10-16-2008, 10:15 PM

1) I suggest buying a Denso O2 sensor. Denso is what the car came with anyway.

2) You could buy a new muffler and bring it to a muffler shop so they can install it.

3) buy whatever brand you like. I like Magnaflow, but I hear good things about Borla as well.
either of them would be a good upgrade. Some say the Magnaflow drones abit, but I could say the same for borla. My cousin has a Borla, and it kinda drones a bit too. Try searching for vids of Camrys on youtube. You can hear what the different muffler brands sound like, and make your choice.

Bdub215 · 10-19-2008, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sublime5446

I just had my Camry serviced a couple weeks ago and mentioned the fact that i was having an issue with the check engine light and that the muffler seemed louder than it should. It's a V6 so i wasn't sure if it's suppose to be slightly louder, but regardless it definitely wasn't sounding right so i informed them of that problem as well. Then a few hours later I get a call from them... it's like $3 grand to fix. I sure as hell wasn't about to drop that kinda money especially when they said it was perfectly fine and safe to drive still. They said the problem was that the sensors were malfunctioning or something but that it was so badly rusted out underneath that they could not get to the sensors, so that's the reason for the high cost to fix it. They said this was the reason for both the muffler and the check engine light. Other than this the car is in about as great as shape as possible for a 1999. I got it from my uncle in Florida, but unfortunately he spent a few years living in Ohio so thats where the rust came from. I knew of minor rust beforehand but this hefty fix-it price was a shock when i found out as i'm sure you can imagine.

I guess i have a few questions... has anyone else had this problem before? And are there any cheaper solutions to this problem? Like i said the car is in great shape other than this problem, and supposedly it's still fine to drive. So i guess it isn't THAT big of a deal but it still sucks.. luckily i got a great deal on the car getting it from my uncle and i haven't yet put any money into it. I was definitely planning it out in my head what i wanted to do with it but that's pretty much on hold after discovering this problem. I wanted to make a decision on what i was gonna do about it first.

Anyone have any advice or ideas? Thanks in advance.

p.s. in my glove compartment I got a printout from the Toyota dealer on more details and stuff in case you need more info on it. It had some codes listed and what not, so i can get that and type it up on here if that helps at all. Just let me know. Again, thanks in advance to anyone who replies.

Damn those Cats made into our Y-pipe

. ive got the leak but no light and i dont plan on fixing it.